Computer Numerical Control

CNC Milling Machine Buying Tips

CNC stand for Computer Numerical Control, and refers specifically to the computer control of machine tools. The main purpose of CNC Milling Machines is to repeatedly manufacture complex parts in metal as well as other materials, using a specially coded program. This specially coded program that is used by CNC Milling machines is written in a notation called G-code. G-codes represent specific CNC Milling functions in alphanumeric format. CNC Milling was developed in the late 1940's and early 1950's by the MIT Servomechanism Laboratory.

1. About CNC

- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Milling is the most common form of CNC
- CNC mills can perform the functions of drilling and often turning
- CNC Milling machines are classified according to the number of axes that they possess
- Axes are labeled as x and y for horizontal movement, and z for vertical movement
- The evolution of CNC milling machines drastically changed the manufacturing industry
- Curves are as easy to cut as straight lines, complex 3-D structures are relatively easy to produce, and the number of machining steps that required human action is way down.

2. The Fabrication Process

With the use of CNC milling machine the fabrication process of the materials have been trimmed down to just a couple of steps. CNC Milling machines now days are driven directly from computer softwares crated by CAD software packages. With the use CNC Milling machines the assembly of parts can go from brief designs without any intermediate paper drawing works being required. In one sense, with the use of CNC milling machines industrials tasks are done must easier and much faster and the production cost of the company is also lessening out. CNC machines may be said to represent special industrial robot systems, as they are programmable to perform any kind of machining operation, within certain physical limits, like other robotic systems.

3. Buying Tips

Before buying a CNC milling machine it is a must that you should have knowledge about the CNC milling machines basic parts. A CNC milling machine is basically composed of a Safety shield that is usually a clear plastic cover that cover and protects the cutting area. The Tool bit, this part of the CNC milling machines is the one that do the cutting. Spindle Shaft, is the part that holds the tool bit. Spindle Motor, is the part of the CNC milling machine that drives the cutter. The Vertical Column, the part that holds the spindle and all of its part. The Cross Side, a moveable support where the work piece is being cut. The axis motors, which moves the cross side into different axis and the Controller box.

When purchasing your milling machine make sure to check that you have all of this part intact on your CNC milling machine, for if one of this parts is not there it will not surely work or will produce an undesirable end product. Also see to it to check out for safety features, never buy a CNC milling machine without an emergency stop button, this button automatically stops machining when it is pressed. Human, hardware or software errors could mean big losses if the CNC cannot be stopped quickly enough to correct the problem. Also check out the control panel part, it is advisable to buy one with a big control guide sticker so you can clearly see it.

Also check out the screws and tools with long overhangs and adapters, be more observant about cracks and breaks on this CNC milling tools. Make sure that the plastic shield that you are purchasing with your CNC milling machine is made up of high impact polycarbonate plastic. An insert break loose from a 35 mm diameter CNC milling cutter at a spindle speed of 45,000 rpm will be thrown out at a speed of 90 meters per second - equivalent to a bullet that is being shot out of a pistol!

Source: Free Articles

Author: infocus

CNC Machining - An Overview

Sphere: Related Content

CNC stands for computer numerical control. It refers to a computer "controller" that reads instructions code which dictates how a machine operates. And is typically associated with the removal of material such as metal for the creation of a complex part. The design and cutting is controlled by software programs like, CAM and others.

The earlier version of CNC was a system referred to as NC or Numerically Controlled machines, which were basically physically wired and their operating parameters where difficult at best to change, if at all.

Punched tape was used and continued to be used as a medium for transferring codes into the controller for many decades after 1950's. It is now replaced with computer networks and software program that aid greatly to efficiencies and the ability to adapt mid project.

CNC machines have changed the tool and die industry and manufacturing in general since their introduction. The programs have lead to eliminating most of the human involvement. For example, curves are now as easy to cut as straight lines, complex 3-D structures are much easier to produce, and the number of steps to produce a part has been dramatically reduced.

Beside the efficiencies of manufacturing created by CNC, a further benefit has been a major improvement in quality control. With less human involvement more consistency in production, quality has been the result. Bottom line, CNC eliminates many mistakes and errors that human involvement can lead too.

In a company that focuses on CNC machining, they often set up a series of CNC machines sometime referred to as a Cell. The interesting thing here is that a series of CNC machines can be set up together allowing the part to go from one machine to the next, all without human involvement. For example, some companies have automated the process to the point that they will leave their machines running over night and over weekends with no operator involvement. Laser devices check for quality control and alert the controllers if any defects are found.

Mike Webster, Webster Engineering is a prototype and low-volume machine shop specializing in complex and precision metal work since 1962. Located in Roseville, Michigan, Webster Engineering is privately owned and certified to the ISO 9001:2000 International Standard. Webster Engineering has a reputation for providing solutions that exceed expectations for speed, accuracy, delivery, quality and cost - achieving real customer satisfaction. Contact Webster Engineering at 586-777-0116 or CNC Machining or complex prototype design

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Webster

Computer Aided Manufacturing Applications

Sphere: Related Content

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) refers to an automation process, which accurately converts product design and drawing or the object into a code format, readable by the machine to manufacture the product. Computer aided manufacturing complements the computer aided design (CAD) systems to offer a wide range of applications in different manufacturing fields. CAM evolved from the technology utilized in the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines that were used in the early 1950s. CNC involved the use of coded instructions on a punched paper tape and could control single manufacturing functions. CAM controlled computer systems, however, can control a whole set of manufacturing functions simultaneously.

CAM allows work instructions and procedures to be communicated directly to the manufacturing machines. A CAM system controls manufacturing operations performed by robotic milling machines, lathes, welding machines and other industrial tools. It moves the raw material to different machines within the system by allowing systematic completion of each step. Finished products can also be moved within the system to complete other manufacturing operations such as packaging, synthesizing and making final checks and changes.

Some of the major applications of the CAM system are glass working, woodturning, metalworking and spinning, and graphical optimization of the entire manufacturing procedure. Production of the solids of rotation, plane surfaces, and screw threads is done by applying CAM systems.
A CAM system allows the manufacturing of three-dimensional solids, using ornamental lathes with greater intricacy and detail. Products such as candlestick holders, table legs, bowls, baseball bats, crankshafts, and camshafts can be manufactured using the CAM system. CAM system can also be applied to the process of diamond turning to manufacture diamond tipped cutting materials. Aspheric optical elements made from glass, crystals, and other metals can also be produced using CAM systems.
Computer aided manufacturing can be applied to the fields of mechanical, electrical, industrial and aerospace engineering. Applications such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, and kinematics can be controlled using CAM systems. Other applications such as electromagnetism, ergonomics, aerodynamics, and propulsion and material science may also use computer aided manufacturing.

Computer Aided Manufacturing provides detailed information on Applications of Computer Aided Manufacturing, Cam And Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Design , Computer Aided Design Scanners and more. Computer Aided Manufacturing is affiliated with Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Stith